Islamic Society to celebrate end of Ramadan Friday

Posted June 12, 2018 at 4:08 PM

The Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the conclusion of the month's fast for Ramadan shown in this file photo, with an outdoor prayer service Friday, June 15, at Cooks Park, 468 Amostown Road. (Republican file)

WEST SPRINGFIELD - The Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the conclusion of the month's fast for Ramadan, with an outdoor prayer service Friday, June 15, at Cooks Park, 468 Amostown Road.

Prayers from 9 to 10 a.m. will be led by the society's Imam Wissam Abdul Baki.

West Springfield Mayor William C. Reichelt is scheduled to welcome participants.

A gathering with food and festivities will follow at the center at 377 Amostown Road.

The public is invited to attend the prayer service and reception that follows at the center.

Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims who represent many different cultures and countries, and the practice of fasting to be closer to God is one of the five pillars of the faith.

Acts of charity, along with prayer and the reading of the Quran, are encouraged during Ramadan which began May 16. An interfaith iftar, a breaking of the fast at day's end, was held at the society's center on May 30.